Frontiers in Marine Science (Jun 2014)

Evaluation of the influence of distinct diets on the survival and growth of the sea urchin <i>Paracentrotus lividus</i> (Echinodermata; Echinoidea)

  • Mafalda Maximino Rojão Sobreiro Catarino,
  • Susana M F Ferreira,
  • Sílvia C. Gonçalves

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/conf.fmars.2014.02.00117
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 1

Abstract

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Sea urchins are an expensive delicacy in several regions of the world. Some species, like Paracentrotus lividus, have even been over-exploited in the wild, with relevant declines of their populations. Developing and improving aquaculture techniques, such as suitable feeding diets for their rearing, is therefore necessary. Paracentrotus lividus is preferably herbivorous, feeding mainly on macroalgae. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of 3 different types of diet on the survival and growth of P. lividus: Ulva sp., Asparagopsis armata and animal feed. A total of 45 wild individuals were subjected to an acclimation period at the laboratory. For each diet, 3 replicates, each one consisting of a tank containing 5 individuals, were assembled. The study lasted 6 consecutive weeks, and regular determinations of weight and diameter of the test of each animal, were performed. At the end, the gonadal index was also estimated. Mortality in the 3 diets was not very relevant, and a high survival was therefore observed. The variations in weight were not statistically different, but for the test diameter a small increase in the individuals fed with A. armata was detected. With the animal feed, the values of both variables decreased towards the end of the study. As for the gonadal index, statistical differences between the diets were not obtained. In conclusion, P. lividus adapted easily to captivity and the macroalgae diets were the most favourable for their development. Asparagopsis armata sustained the animals’ growth, while the animal feed proved to be the less suitable diet for P. lividus juveniles. Due to their low cost and ease of harvesting, macroalgal diets may be advantageous for small scale closed systems. Such an option may also assist in the environmental management of coastal areas, since Ulva sp. is abundant in eutrophic systems and A. armata is an invasive species in Europe.

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